Poblet hospitalised in critical condition

Miguel Poblet, the first Spaniard to wear the Tour de France’s yellow jersey, is in a Barcelona hospital and in critical condition. According to Spanish sources, he has a blood infection and his family fears the worst.

The 85-year-old’s career spanned from 1944 to 1962, including taking the iconic yellow jersey in 1955. He also won three stages, 20 in the Giro d’Italia and two editions of Milan-San Remo.

Operación Puerto trial ends, ruling to follow

“In my 35-year long medical career I have never prejudiced the health of my patients, nor have I ever been aware of damage I have caused to one of my patients,” Fuentes said according to VeloNews. “The objective that I always pursue as a doctor is to protect the health of others, not to prejudice it.”

The charges are limited to endangering public health. His lawyers admit Fuentes transfused blood for his sports clients, but did so safely.

Fuentes faces a possible jail term as witness, such a Tyler Hamilton and Jesus Manzano, testified that he did endanger their health with blood transfusions. Others testified that transfusions carried out in hotel rooms were far from safe.

Merckx says Koppenberg should go

Eddy Merckx criticised the Tour of Flanders’ use of the Koppenberg climb after a crash on Sunday caused a crucial split in the peloton.

“The Koppenberg has nothing to do with cycling,” he told Het Nieuwsblad. “I think that it should be removed from the parcours. Someone [Björn Leukemans (Vacansoleil-DCM)] made a mistake and left about fifty riders walking up the climb.”

The organiser omitted the climb for 15 years, until 2002, after the Jesper Skibby incident. Skibby fell on the climb in 1987 and a commissaire drove over his front wheel.